A unique and interesting perspective on Alaska. Humorous stories and interesting articles that help steer you through the vacation planning process. Lots of great ideas, places to wine and dine and journeys to take.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

If you are looking for a quick romantic getaway this fall,
put Alaska on your list. Airlines often offer great specials for travel in the
fall, making Alaska a perfect fall vacation destination. Anchorage is just a 3-hour
flight from Seattle or 5-hours direct from Chicago. Why not get off work and
fly to Alaska for your next romantic getaway?

Enjoy your first night in Anchorage at one of our downtown hotels,
with several offering spectacular views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach mountains.
After September 15, many of our hotels
offer reduced rates throughout the autumn and winter. Downtown Anchorage has four
4-star hotel properties, all with fine dining options and comfortable
accommodations. Indulge yourself without making a dent in your pocket book.

After a relaxing breakfast, take a two-hour drive north
through the Matanuska Valley to the quaint community of Talkeetna. Talkeetna,
which means “River of Plenty” in the local Dena’ina language, is nestled on the
confluence three rivers. A short walk down Main Street to the riverbank will
reward you with breathtaking views of Mt. McKinley and the surrounding Alaska
Range. At over 20,320 feet, Mt. McKinley towers above the surrounding peaks. Flightseeing
tours to Mt. McKinley are offered year-round from Talkeetna. The Sheldon Amphitheater,
Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge will take your breath away. Some have
described these flights as life-changing. Others come to Talkeetna in the fall
for late-season silver salmon fishing. Guided fishing trips are available from
Talkeetna up until September 30th. In the “off season,” weekend
train service on the Alaska Railroad provides an alternative to driving.

Along with its stunning views, Talkeetna is known for its
hospitality. Enjoy all the comforts of home and modern amenities in a private
cabin in town or near the river at Susitna River Lodge. Private cabins are a
great option for those seeking the service and amenities of a hotel, but in a
scenic and intimate setting. Some properties offer kitchens and BBQ grills for
those wishing to “dine in.”

Speaking of dining, Talkeetna has several great options to
entice your palette. Open year-round, the Talkeetna Roadhouse has been serving
breakfast and lunch to travelers and locals for over 75 years. Their baked goods
are out of this world. For dinner, take a stroll over to the Twister Creek
Restaurant for some birch glazed Alaskan halibut or beer-battered Alaskan cod. Twister
Creek is owned by the award-winning Denali Brewing Company. The brewery is
on-site and offers up to 10 beers on tap throughout the year.

After a night or two in Talkeetna, it is time to continue on
your journey. Drive southeast to Palmer, in the heart of the Matanuska Valley. The
surrounding 5,000 foot peaks of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains tower above
the city of Palmer. Hatcher Pass, a favorite local hiking destination, is just
12 miles from town. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the stunning mountain views
from Hatcher Pass. Blueberries, crowberries, and cranberries are easily
accessible for picking along the hillside when in season. Cranberries are
usually ripe through late-September.

After a day of exploring the Matanuska Valley, it is time to
wind down for the night. One of Southcentral Alaska’s best kept secrets is Knik
River Lodge. Just 50 miles north of Anchorage, Knik River Lodge offers private
cabins with deluxe bedding and modern touches like flat screen TVs. The
restaurant onsite offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a unique setting. Nearby
trails offer incredible views of the valley and Knik Glacier.

Whether for a short romantic getaway or a longer adventure,
Alaska is the perfect place to visit in the fall. Visit our website or contact us at mytrip@alaskatours.com to plan your
custom trip to Alaska.